Uniform productivity areas and land degradation risk in Ethiopia
[Thesis]
A. Teshome
Carleton University (Canada)
1990
219
M.A.
Carleton University (Canada)
1990
The Canadian Analysis of Drought in Africa (CANDAF) software package has been downsized to CANDAF-Ethiopia. CANDAF defines Uniform Productivity Areas (UPAs) based on analysis of regional climatic records. Ethiopia has been divided into 13 UPAs, with the boundaries determined from climatic records being modified by consideration of topographic and soil factors. The long-term average monthly soil moisture balance of each UPA has been simulated using rainfall records, calculated potential evapotranspiration and soil moisture storage capacity. The productivity of about 44% of Ethiopia is limited by severe moisture deficiency. The moisture simulation results and the minimum growing period for Ethiopian crops (generally >90 days) were employed to assess each UPA's suitability for seasonal and perennial crops and the nature of land degradation risks. The establishment of crop calendars and a system of mid-season crop production estimation is recommended to assist in improving food production while reducing the risks of land degradation.